S7E5: Getting Attuned to Your Body’s Wisdom with Lauren Dike
Black Woman Leading
In this conversation, Laura welcomes Lauren Dike to explore the importance of attuning to one's body wisdom, particularly for Black women. Lauren shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a nervous system resilience expert They discuss the significance of understanding one’s nervous system, the impact of societal expectations on Black women, and practical steps for self-regulation. The conversation highlights the importance of professional support in the healing process and the need to reconnect with our body's sensations, while emphasizing the need for self-awareness and...
info_outline
S7E4: Becoming Financially Unstoppable with Breanna Colón
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura welcomes Breanna Colón to discuss the journey to becoming financially unstoppable. Breanna shares her insights on financial freedom, the importance of money behavior, and practical strategies for achieving financial goals. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset regarding money and the significance of understanding one's financial behavior to break free from cycles of debt to achieve true financial independence. Breanna emphasizes the importance of viewing budgeting as a financial planning tool rather than a chore. She discusses the significance...
info_outline
S7E3: Healing Out Loud with Sandria Washington
Black Woman Leading
In this engaging conversation, Laura and Sandria Washington explore the themes of healing, self-discovery, community, and self-advocacy. They discuss the concept of 'healing out loud,' which highlights the importance of vulnerability and stretching outside of your comfort zone through everyday moments. Sandria shares her own experiences and insights, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and the need to break cultural stigmas surrounding mental health and personal struggles. She shares her profound journey of discovering her adoption at the age of 38, the subsequent healing process that...
info_outline
S7E2: Mastering Strategic Networking with Daphne Valcin
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura welcomes Daphne Valcin to discuss the importance of mastering strategic networking for career growth. They explore Daphne's journey as a leader, the definition of strategic networking, and the cultural nuances that affect networking for Black women. The conversation also delves into the connection between confidence and networking, as well as practical tips for introverts to navigate networking events effectively. They explore the nuances of networking, particularly in virtual environments. They also discuss strategies for setting networking goals, the importance...
info_outline
Welcome to Season 7!
Black Woman Leading
Welcome to Season 7 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast! In this episode, Laura introduces season seven of the Black Woman Leading podcast, focusing on the theme of 'Driving the Narrative of Your Career.' She emphasizes the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work, all core elements that will be revisited from multiple angles with solo and guest episodes this season. Laura answers the core questions for this season, sharing her personal journey of entrepreneurship, the growth of the Black Woman Leading iniative, the...
info_outline
S6E15: Season 6 Reflections & Recap
Black Woman Leading
We are celebrating the completion of our sixth season! Our season theme was “Community Care is Critical,” as our core questions throughout the season explored how embracing community fuels our personal and professional growth. We define community care as the ways we intentionally support and uplift each other, and how we create and nurture the spaces where we feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. In addition to this theme, which connected all episodes, we covered various topics with our guest experts. And, some organic themes emerged across episodes about self-awareness,...
info_outline
S6E14: Getting Your Gut Health in Check with BB Arrington
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura speaks with BB Arrington, a nutritional therapy practitioner specializing in gut health, to discuss getting your gut health in check. They discuss the importance of gut health, its connection to mental well-being, the unique challenges faced by Black women in the wellness space, and the need for representation in healthcare. Additionally, the conversation covers practical steps for improving gut health, including the importance of slowing down, hydration, and fiber intake. BB discusses the multifaceted aspects of gut health, emphasizing the importance of...
info_outline
S6E13: Creating Your Personal Leadership Vision
Black Woman Leading
In this short, but powerful, solo episode, Laura shares her personal practice for creating a personal vision that provides guidance and inspiration for the year. Laura shares prompts for exploration and also explains the connection between your vision and values. After clarifying a guiding vision, Laura explains how you can then use that vision to inform your tactical goals, deadlines, and action steps. Your leadership vision is rooted in your WHY (purpose for this season). You deserve this dedicated time to clarify this for yourself! Grab your notebook and pen, let your thoughts...
info_outline
S6E12: Navigating Life Changes with Kumari Williams
Black Woman Leading
In this episode, Laura discusses navigating life changes with Kumari Williams. Kumari shares her journey as an executive leader, and how she has navigated both personal and professional challenges and changes throughout her career. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, resilience, and the need for support systems while navigating life transitions. Kumari reflects on her experiences in leadership, the significance of consistent self-checks, and the value of extending grace to oneself and others during difficult times. Overall, Kumari encourages...
info_outline
S6E11: Rising Above Injustice in the Workplace with Leah Davis
Black Woman Leading
In this conversation, Laura discusses rising above injustice in the workplace with Leah Davis, Founder of Leah Davis Coaching. Leah shares her personal experience of workplace injustice, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the healing journey that led her to reclaim her voice and lean deeper into her community. She also shares insights on maintaining peace, power, and presence while advocating for oneself in difficult situations. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of establishing boundaries, finding a supportive community, and the power of self-care as a...
info_outlineIn this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums (Shaneka Stanley, Lekeshia Hicks, and Jada Hamm) to discuss the importance of community care in professional development.
They share their experiences as Black women leaders and the role of community in their journeys, the importance of “mirrors” and support systems, and the challenges and triumphs of setting and maintaining boundaries.
They emphasize the importance of showing up authentically, taking up space, and making meaningful connections. They also highlight the power of being a connector and the impact it can have on others.
Guest Bios:
::Jada Hamm
Jada Hamm is a dynamic professional with over six years of experience in consulting, employee relations, policy development, and talent management. Based in Philadelphia, she is actively involved in nonprofits, entertainment, and events industries, holding multiple roles across these sectors.
Jada holds a BBA in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing further education in strategic management next fall. She is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and dedicates her time to community service, volunteering with the Community Hero Action Group INC.
::Lekeshia Hicks
Lekeshia Angelique Hicks is a passionate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategist and the founder of Lekeshia Angelique Consulting. An Army veteran and doctoral candidate at Austin Peay State University, she brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience to her work.
Lekeshia serves as the Education Committee Chairperson for the NAACP Clarksville-Montgomery Chapter, a Board Member of the Clarksville-Montgomery Public Library, and the Board Chair of The STEAM Institute. Her expertise spans healthcare, technology, and higher education sectors, where she develops customized DEIA solutions.
A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Lekeshia's personal experiences inform her professional mission: to foster environments where diversity is not just recognized, but celebrated. Through her consulting work, speaking engagements, and community involvement, Lekeshia is committed to transforming DEIA principles into actionable, empathetic practices.
Connect with Lekeshia on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
::Shaneka Stanley
Shaneka L. Stanley, MA, MS, SHRM-SCP, is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, Christian, Proud HBCU alum (University of Arkansas Pine Bluff), active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and soon to be a certified Life and Organizational Development Coach. She engages with leaders of nonprofit organizations across the country as a Senior Human Resource Consultant. With close to 25 years of experience, Shaneka is a dynamic leader and genuine influencer who promotes continuous improvement by employing a flexible problem-solving approach that balances business goals with employee needs. She has comprehensive experience in the full HR lifecycle with proven success in aligning business and people strategies, building dynamic teams and transforming cultures.
Shaneka earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in English Education from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Master of Arts (MA) degree in Communications & Training from Governors State University and Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Resources Management from Roosevelt University. She has been a certified HR professional since 2006.
Public service is at the core of her being as she serves her community and advocates for positive change. Shaneka is a Founding Board Member of South Suburban Cook County HR Association, a SHRM affiliate chapter located in Chicago’s south suburbs. She serves as the Senior Chair for the PTO at her son's school and she is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter.
Connect with Shaneka on LinkedIN
Resources:
- Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2024 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com
Credits:
Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/
Email Laura: [email protected]
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
Instagram: @blackwomanleading
Facebook: @blackwomanleading
Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights
Graphics: Téa Campbell
Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: